Manufacturing Applications Engineer

The Site Manufacturing CAX Engineer supports and optimizes all Computer-Aided Technologies (CAx) used in tooling, fixtures, modeling, simulation, CAM workflows, CNC post development, and DNC shopfloor connectivity. The role also manages and supports Manufacturing Engineering software systems essential to digital production workflows. The position ensures robust digital data flow from engineering design to CNC execution while supporting manufacturing readiness and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support Manufacturing Engineering Operations

• Provide CAD/CAE support for tooling, jigs, fixtures, machine parts, and process engineering requirements.
• Perform drawing creation, model clean‑up, tolerance checks, and manufacturability reviews.
• Support NC programming by enabling clean CAD-to-CAM integration and maintaining tool libraries.

2. Post Building for CAM / CNC Operations

• Develop, maintain, and validate post processors for all CNC machines on site.
• Ensure accurate G-code/M-code output aligned with specific machine controllers.
• Document post processor configurations and maintain centralized post libraries.
• Support New Machine Introduction (NMI) by developing or modifying required post processors.

3. Managing Manufacturing Engineering Software Systems

• Administer, maintain, and support Manufacturing Engineering software such as tool management systems, machine monitoring tools, simulation platforms, and engineering utilities.
• Coordinate software updates, license tracking, configuration management, and integration with CAx, CAM, MES, and ERP systems.
• Troubleshoot software issues and serve as the primary technical contact for ME digital tools.
• Ensure software compliance with IT security policies and audit requirements.

4. CAx System Administration

• Manage CAx tools including templates, libraries, and user configurations.
• Support license optimization, installations, and system upgrades.
• Troubleshoot CAx issues and coordinate vendor support.

5. Standardization & Compliance

• Conduct drawing/model audits and ensure documentation compliance.

6. Process Automation & Digital Integration

• Develop macros or scripts to automate engineering workflows.
• Support digital engineering initiatives such as MBD and digital twins.
• Enable integration between CAx tools, MES, ERP, ME software, and CNC systems.

7. User Training & Daily Technical Support

• Provide support for CAx, ME software, post processor, and DNC users across ME, Equipment, and NC Programming teams.
• Conduct training and develop guides and SOPs.

8. Continuous Improvement

• Improve digital data flow from design → CAM → CNC → shopfloor.
• Support Lean/Six Sigma projects related to digital engineering.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing or related engineering fields and Computer Science.

Experience

• 2–5+ years of experience in CAM, Manufacturing Engineering software support, DNC administration, or CNC-related engineering.
• Experience with CNC machine shop operations preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in NX, Siemens, or Teamcenter
• Knowledge of CAM workflows and post processor logic.
• Experience managing Manufacturing Engineering software such as tool management or machine monitoring systems.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems.
• Scripting knowledge (VBA, Python, C#, macros) is a plus. TCL?

Soft Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking.
• Effective communication across engineering, CNC shopfloor, IT, and tooling teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• DNC system uptime and CNC communication reliability.
• Post processor accuracy and stability.
• ME software system uptime, stability, and support responsiveness.
• CAx system uptime and support responsiveness.
• Compliance with engineering standards and documentation quality.
• Reduction in engineering cycle time and rework.